Representatives from Midwest Apostolic Faith churches joined the Minneapolis, Minnesota, congregation for special meetings during the weekend of October 18-20. The weekend commenced with a blissful atmosphere filled with joy, peace, fellowship, and spiritual anticipation from all attendees. The theme was “God of all possibilities.”

The Friday evening service began with the orchestra playing “Victory through Grace” and “Victory All the Time.” Minneapolis pastor, Bunmi Omitoyin, gave a welcome address to the 102 people in attendance, including those from Canada and online guests. He took the opportunity to remind everyone of the essence of the special meetings—not that it is a social gathering, but rather a meeting for spiritual rejuvenation, breakthroughs, and special blessings. Jeff Downey, pastor in St. Louis, Missouri, led the song service, during which everyone joyfully lifted their voices to worship the Lord. Charles Schleicher, pastor in Madison, Wisconsin, was called on to commit the weekend into God’s Holy hands in congregational prayer.

During announcements, the visiting minister, Peter Oyeniyi, from Winnipeg, Canada, was introduced. Then the choir sang “I Am Redeemed,” and testimonies followed. Charity Ikpe, from St. Louis, testified to the power of God saving her and directing her path in life. Antonia Schleicher, from Madison, shared how God has the power to save, heal, and keep for over forty years. Preceding the sermon was a vocal duet by Samuel and Christy Ufere, from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, “I Am Rejoicing in the Lord.”

Brother Peter expounded on the Word of God using Matthew 16:13 as his text. The theme of his sermon was “Whom say ye that I am?” He encouraged everyone to establish a relationship with God. He pointed out that it isn’t enough to have a casual relationship with God, one must know Him and the power of His might, and also acknowledge and appreciate His numerous blessings. Brother Peter said, “Knowing someone is different that knowing about someone.” He also affirmed the theme of the special meeting using the testimony of his grandmother, and closed with the words, “The power of God is still the same today if we believe it.” There was a wonderful and blessed time of prayer at the altar.

On Saturday afternoon, the service began with a French horn solo playing “Holy, Holy, Holy” and “The Banner of the Cross,” followed by prayer. Brother Charles led the devotional and taught on the proper role that miracles play in one's life. He took his text from James 1:27, stating that if one wants God to perform miracles in his life, he needs to first be endued with wisdom from above, as written in James 3:17. He needs to ask God for grace to be a doer of the Word and not a hearer only. God is holy, and His people must be holy. Brother Charles quoted John 14:14, which states that if one asks anything in His name, He will do it. Before the closing prayer, Brother Bunmi reminded everyone that they must be followers of Christ in all they do if they desire to ignite an Azusa Street revival. This led everyone to their knees to pray.

At the Saturday evening concert, which was attended by 143 people, instrumentalists, vocalists, and choirs drawn from the youth in the Midwest branch churches filled the sanctuary with delightful and soul-inspiring songs for all attendees to enjoy. The concert concluded with a short message from Brother Peter, particularly directed at the young people, with the theme “It pays to serve Jesus.” Reading Luke 19:42, he encouraged the young people to take the Gospel seriously and to have a part in it. He also affirmed that those who thirst and hunger after righteousness, shall be filled. The altar call and closing prayer was by Joshua Idowu, the pastor of the church in Worth, Illinois.

Sunday morning, Janet Omitoyin, from Minneapolis, opened Sunday school with some inspirational songs and Melissa Downey, from St. Louis, led the opening prayer. There were four classes: adult, young adult, intermediate, and elementary, and the atmosphere in each one was very enthusiastic.

The worship service began with a piano prelude by Lere Ojumu, from Winnipeg, Canada. The orchestra played “O Worship the King,” followed by an octet singing “I Stand Amazed.” The congregation of 142 people collectively blended their voices to worship and appreciate God in congregational songs. The service continued with the choir singing “Amazing Grace Medley.” The Scripture reading was taken from 2 Kings 5:15, read by Sister Antonia. Preceding the sermon was a duet by Dorcas Oseni and Esther Ajibola, “It’s Bound to Be the Lord.” Brother Peter brought the Word of exhortation, taking his text from 2 Kings 5:3. The message revolved around the miracle God wrought in the life of Naaman through the prophet Elisha and the young maid. Brother Peter encouraged everyone to obey God, not reluctantly or partially, because absolute obedience to God’s Word is key to any miracle. He concluded by emphasizing that One greater than Elisha was ready to deliver and save. At the end of the service, many tarried at the altar, not minding the distance to travel back home.

Prayers were prayed for weeks before the special meeting and God did not fail—prayers were answered! Thank God for His divine presence and faithfulness throughout the meetings.